Stephen J. Roberts Newsletter
Issue: # 7September/2014
Many  ways  to  grow ...
emotionally, psychologically, professionally spiritually ... 
Why  Do  It  Alone?

 

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Greetings!
 

I imagine a diverse community of folks all sharing notes along the path ... possibly a hand of support on each other's backs. Doing this thing called life together. So that we remain open to all of life's experiences, consider this perspective:

 

 

Our Contract for Planet Earth

 

Pete: So you're headed down there, eh? Beautiful and wild place. Here ya go, here's the contract. Really just two objectives.

Self: I've heard so much about Earth, the postcards are gorgeous!

Pete: Well you're going to be inhabiting an organism with 2 hundred thousand nerve endings, so you're going to get to feel, taste, smell, hear and see everything.

Self: I can't wait to take it all in.

Pete: Yep, you're going to have wonderful experiences, beautiful things, incredible connections - ah, the great joy of attachments.

Self: I know, I've waited sooo long! It's all going to be fantastic!

Pete: Yes, yes, but don't forget - you go down there for 2 primary experiences: Attachment AND detachment.

Self: Beg you're pardon?

 

Pete: Oh Boy, you didn't know about the second part? Yes, everything you get to cling to ... you will have to let go of ... earth, it's the place you make wonderful attachments and then you learn how to let go of all of them.

Self: What? Everything??

Pete: Sure, you'll have a 57' Chevy, then it'll be gone, houses, friends, lovers, Poof!

Self: Not that 26 year old body? Say it ain't so ..

Pete: OH, yea,

Self: Not my memory?

Pete: Like sand between your fingers

Self: Not my whole persona ?!

Pete: Like taking off a costume ... Didn't you read the small print? You'll return here the same as you are now.. well, of course, you will have grown.

 

Self: OK, OK ... I get it attachment and detachment - Planet Earth ... but I'm signing up anyway ... how bad could it be?

Pete: That's the spirit, tiger! Oh, and one other thing. Once you're on your way down, you'll forget that you signed this.

Self: Yipes! Why will I think these losses are  happening to me?

Pete: Ahh, no worries mate. It's not as black and white as you may think.  You may discover that there is pain in the clinging to attachments .. and that there can be profound insight and grace in the letting go.  Now, are you ready for the ride? ... then buckle up, buster!

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Sometimes I forget all about the small print.  But this need not be a disheartening story. By embracing "impermanence" we enjoy a much richer experience with our present connections - to each other, to our friends and family, to our world. 

'Til next month - Steve